They are smart, don't have much cash, but more women are living the dream of starting a small business

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WOMEN represent the fastest growing group of small business owners but it's not always smooth sailing, a summit in Brisbane has heard.

While 30 per cent of small to medium businesses are owned by females, Australian Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Yolanda Vega said most were given their start off the back of savings and credit cards.

"Most women build their business from scratch usually with $5000 or less," Ms Vega said.

"The majority are in services-based industries from hairdressing to psychology or consulting."

She said almost 80 per cent had been in middle to upper management roles before launching their own enterprise.

Ms Vega said there were a range of obstacles facing those who choose to pursue new business opportunities including difficulties accessing capital which makes it a challenge to promote their business.

"They have a global village at their fingertips but still need a lot of marketing money which they don't have," Ms Vega said.

A lack of affordable childcare options has also driven a surge in the number of "mumpreneurs" who have moved their careers into the home.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick agreed, adding that family life could take its toll on female SME owners.

"It is harder for women in business because they traditionally also take on the caring roles, not only of their children but their ageing parents," she said.

Ms Vega said despite the difficulties, women were more involved in business now than ever before.

"We have seen an unprecedented number of women set up businesses," she said.

"In the last five years, the number of women who have started businesses has increased by more than 12 per cent.

"The number of men who started new businesses dropped by more than 3 per cent."

Despite research finding a 60 per cent five year survival rate for small businesses, Ms Vega said women stand a better chance of lasting the distance in their business pursuits.

"Women tend to take fewer risks and allow their businesses to grow organically … they have a higher rate of survival," she said.

But both Ms Vega and Ms Broderick agreed that there was work to be done to ensure the future success of women in SMEs.

"Just because you are running a business doesn't mean you are making money," Ms Vega said.

"We need to make sure women have access to education, contracts and markets."